I suspect that you are one of many Jamaicans at home and abroad who are thirsty for deliberate, thoughtful, open-minded, non-partisan commentary, musings, rantings and visioning about everything connected to the place and to the idea of being Jamaican inna dis ya world an’ dis ya time. No problem. No topic, person, issue, idea or question is off-limits here — art, humour, politics of all sorts, writing, design, food — in fact, this blog aims to throw corn and call all fowl at the same time. Makes the nyamings more interesting, don’t it?

I want this space to promote ideas, ways of thinking and modes of expression that we cannot seem to find in the mainstream sources which provide – filter even – most of the information that we have. Bit by bit, the alternative realities that we have been creating in our individual corners can find each other, and eventually, bore a hole in the repressive anti-intellectual, anti-literate and unkind environment that is the Jamaican diaspora. At the very least, you’ll have something interesting to read and reflect on while that other revolution is making its way. (See also “Rules of Engagement“)

Yes, a girl can dream, but why not? It beats waiting for smaddy a’ fa’rin to give me the idea and the permission to do something with it.

So, come mek we draw long bench and lap shift (yes, even men can do that…); there’s much for us to reason, dream, invent, build, learn, understand, laugh about and do, if we want a better future, beginning now, today.

can’t believe it’s taken me this long to find my way to your wonderful (i’ve struggled long and hard to find the right adjective and only use the absolutely inadequate ‘wonderful’ because i couldn’t find the word i wanted) blog. what a great idea! thanks!

Hi,
This is a refreshing and interesting, not to mention eclectic pot pourri of random jottings on public issues…yeah could say it different, but is awright still. Like the jamdown references too….
Wayne

Thanks much for your commments on my story that made letter of the day in today’s Gleaner. I agree with all that you say, just that soliciting money from individuals and companies here in Jamaica is very difficult, and requires a huge amount of time and effort. When I’m operating the business, writing grants, coordinating programmes etc, etc, just really hard to concentrate on the necessary public relations and fund raising at the same time! anyway I just got some new energenic and talented board members who will help me with the above, so watch out for more about us in the news! Thanks for taking the time to reply and for your valuable comments.

Hi Ms. Abrahams: Thanks for your response! Glad to know you and RISE are turning a corner, so to speak. Its amazing how when board members actually do the work they signed on for, folks like yourself can begin to enjoy your work so much more. PR and fundraisers are often considered “extra” staff and are the last to be hired, but in fact, they are essential to any organization. Thanks for your good, necessary work!

Thanks for your lengthy comment on my blog, My Jamaican Family. YOur thoughts are noted and all I can say is, wait a bit, more to come! I haven’t really yet delved deeply into my family on the blog … as you can see I don’t update it very often. I am stumped to a certain extent by the paucity of records where my research has been concerned so have not been able to make a definitive link back to slavery, i.e. one that is documented. I will write more about this in posts to come.

Am Jacan living in Paris and doing some research for a thesis. I desperately need to get in touch with 5 Jacan primary school teachers with at least 5 years of teaching experience to have a chat on MSN about the use of Creole in their classes. Do you know anyone who fits the bill?
I’d be very grateful for a link up. Thanks in advance

seriously though, although things got ut of hand, I like what the Thais did to show their government their lack of appreciation of their performance. How come other nations seem to get their message across and we jus siddung so? Been to Thailand and understand how much they depend on tourim, but they aren’t afraid to show the authorities that if conditions are not right for the citizens, then it aint gonna be right for the tourists!

What we do? We tiptoe and beg and plead with our governments while them “cut dem eye after wi.”

Jaquanda – Thanks for stopping by! You are not the first person to raise a question about whether writing styles have a gender. Funny enough, many people who come to this blog assumed that I am a man. I never corrected them; didn’t seem relevant and was slightly amusing. Do visit again, and let me know what you think!

Your response in the Gleaner was informative!!!! You spotted the AGENDA, the malignant tumor which has spread & is spreading. It’s the Devil’s work & his fallen angel’s. However my dear WE have been sent here on a mission to COMBAT them stop the cancer spreading force it into remission & ultimately DEAD IT! Bless ;-)

I understand this is kind of off topic but I was curious if you knew somewhere I might possibly download a captcha plugin for my feedback form?
I’m employing the same blog system as yours and I’m having difficulty locating one?

On the other hand, men crave it more than anything in bed.
The whole point of oral sex is to bring two lovers even closer in one of the most intimate acts possible.
Chlamydia is a common, treatable, sexually transmitted infection.